Forks animal shelter closed to public, but not the animals

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, February 2, 2005

FORKS — The animal shelter in Forks will remain open to animals — but not to humans — for at least a few months, Police Chief Mike Powell says.

Two weeks ago, Powell temporarily closed the city-owned shelter to visitors because he lacked enough staff to oversee the volunteers who were managing it, he said.

“We haven’t had a community service officer, whose responsibility includes overseeing the shelter, for several months,” said Powell.

“So it became a logistical burden to go down there to make sure volunteers were following regulations.

“That’s why I made the decision to temporarily close the shelter.”

For about a year, the animal shelter was being managed by volunteers from the Rainforest Humane Society.

However, in recent months they found it increasingly difficult to keep it open on a regular basis, said Powell.

Shelter still working

Powell said the Police Department will continue to place animals and care for them at the shelter.

The public can view a list of photos posted on the shelter’s windows to see what animals are being housed inside at any time.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were no animals being housed.